Sepp Straka is still on course for his best result to date at the National Golf Club at the Masters in Augusta. After a round of 74 on Saturday, the Viennese has a total of two over par. However, he lost some ground and goes into the final day in 20th place (tee-off: 6:55 p.m. CEST). While Tiger Woods had a pitch-black day with an 82, Scottie Scheffler leads with 209 strokes ahead of his US compatriots Collin Morikawa (210) and Max Homa (211).
Straka fought back after a bad start. The 30-year-old fell behind with two bogeys on holes three and four, but made up for the stroke losses on holes 8 and 13. After further bogeys on 15 and 18, he brought two over par into the clubhouse. The Austro-American had a good chance on Sunday to beat his previous Masters results (30th and 46th). He is three shots short of the top ten.
The five-time Masters winner Woods, who had set a Masters record the day before with his 24th cut, really stumbled. The 48-year-old made three bogeys and two double bogeys on the first nine holes and also lost four shots on the last four holes. With a round of ten over par, Woods fell almost to the back of the field.
At the front, however, the Americans will probably still claim victory among themselves. Top favorite and world ranking leader Scheffler is ahead, but the competition is on his heels. “It’s nice to have this experience,” said Scheffler, referring to his victory in 2022. “But when it starts tomorrow, that’s all.” The 27-year-old Scheffler is certainly familiar with this initial situation. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and trying to win the tournament.”
Five professionals are in the top five places after three rounds at Augusta National Golf Club, each one shot apart. Fourth among them is the phenomenal newcomer Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old Swede only turned professional in June 2023. After that, it only took him a few weeks to win the European Masters in Crans-Montana and a tournament on the American circuit. He also immediately played his way into the victorious European team in the Ryder Cup.
Scheffler’s direct pursuer and possibly toughest competitor is his compatriot Morikawa, who is aiming for his third major triumph in Augusta. The 27-year-old completed the third round with 69 strokes, while all other contenders for victory needed 70 or more strokes. He won the 2020 US PGA Championship and the 2021 British Open. “Scottie is number 1 in the world for a reason. But at the end of the day that doesn’t scare me,” says Morikawa full of confidence.
The organizers announced on Saturday that of the total prize money of $20 million, the winner would receive a record check of $3.6 million (3.38 million euros).
2024-04-14 09:02:38